By Jeff Devine, Dale County Chronicle
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Katie Britt announced that a Senate resolution honoring six U.S. servicemembers who lost their lives in a military aircraft incident over western Iraq has unanimously passed the chamber.
The resolution recognizes the service and sacrifice of the airmen who were aboard a U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft supporting Operation Epic Fury. Among those honored are Major Alex Klinner of Auburn, Alabama; Major Ariana G. Savino of Covington, Washington; Technical Sergeant Ashley B. Pruitt of Bardstown, Kentucky; Captain Seth R. Koval of Mooresville, Indiana; Captain Curtis J. Angst of Wilmington, Ohio; and Master Sergeant Tyler H. Simmons of Columbus, Ohio.
According to the release, three of the fallen servicemembers were assigned to the 99th Refueling Squadron of the 117th Air Refueling Wing at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base in Birmingham, while the other three served with the 121st Air Refueling Wing based in Columbus, Ohio.
“Our nation will be forever grateful to these American heroes for their exemplary service and ultimate sacrifice,” Britt said. “While their lives were tragically cut short in devoted service to our country, we will never forget their selflessness as they bravely fought to protect and defend Americans.”
She added that the nation remains “deeply proud to honor them in this resolution” and continues to pray for their families and loved ones.
Sen. Todd Young emphasized the personal impact on his home state.
“We continue to mourn the loss of Hoosier Captain Seth Koval and the Airmen who perished while bravely answering the call to serve,” Young said, adding that their sacrifice will not be forgotten.
Sen. Jim Banks also underscored the nation’s gratitude.
“Our nation is grateful for the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country,” Banks said. “We will never forget their courage and selfless service.”
Bernie Moreno called attention to the loss felt in Ohio, stating that the country is “indebted” to the servicemembers for defending American freedoms, and noted the devastation their deaths bring to their communities.
Sen. Jon Husted highlighted the importance of preserving their legacy.
“As our nation mourns these heroes, it is vital that we honor their legacy of service and sacrifice,” Husted said, noting that the fallen carried out dangerous and critical missions in defense of the country.
Sen. Tim Sheehy spoke from personal experience, calling the loss of fellow servicemembers “devastating” and urging continued support for military families.
The resolution’s passage follows a dignified transfer ceremony held at Dover Air Force Base, where Britt joined Donald J. Trump and other national leaders to honor the fallen.
Lawmakers said the resolution serves as a formal tribute to the servicemembers’ sacrifice and ensures their legacy will be remembered.
Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith, both Democrats representing Minnesota in the U.S. Senate, introduced a Senate Resolution (S.Res.648) on March 17, 2026, to honor the memory and service of Master Sergeant Nicole M. Amor, along with five other servicemembers, including Capt. Cody A. Khork, Sgt. 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens, Sgt. Declan J. Coady, Major Jeffrey O’Brien, and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan, who were killed in a March 1, 2026, drone attack at Port Shuaiba, Kuwait. This resolution has yet to be passed by the Senate, but a large number of senators have expressed a willingness to pass it.
Since President Trump authorized attacks on Iran less than a month ago, 13 servicemembers have been killed while 290 have been wounded.
